Products to Treat Your Summer Dark Spots

Two things followed me from summer into these first few days of fall: The first being an insatiable desire for iced matcha tea and the second being a cluster of dark spots that mysteriously popped up on my nose. OK, so their appearance wasn't that mysterious. I was fortunate to spend two weeks in sunny Greece, but along with my vacation, I got the unwanted souvenirs of dark spots. I know what you're thinking, and yes, I used SPF, but unfortunately, dark spots run in my fair-skinned family, so it was only a matter of time before I encountered my first. 

Thankfully, after few years in the beauty biz, I've learned a few things about this exact topic. To help anyone struggling with hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and other discoloration left over from summer sun, I rounded up some of the best options to fight dark spots—for every budget and need.

Drugstore: Save some bucks and reach for these drugstore skincare bargains!

Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Dark Spot Corrector: A classic on the drugstore circuit, Garnier's dark spot corrector is a potent combo of antioxidant vitamin C and E, pine bark essence, and gentle exfoliating lipo-hydroxyl acid.

Burt's Bees Brightening Dark Spot Corrector: Natural beauty lovers will adore Burt's all-natural formula that's infused with daisy extract.

POND'S Clarant B3 Dark Spot Correcting Cream: This class drugstore staple contains a complex of Vitamins B3 and C to clear up dark spots and brighten skin in as little as four weeks.

Mid-range: For just a bit more, you can up your dark spot game with these powerhouses.

Murad Environmental Shield Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum: Glycolic acid and hydroquinone are the stars of this serum. Used to fade dark spots and exfoliate, respectively, these ingredients make this serum fast-acting and gentle. (It's also a personal fave of this editor!)

La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Serum: Ideal for acne-prone skin, this corrector contains salicylic acid to help control oil and fight breakouts.

Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector & Optimizer: This dual-chamber serum dispenses Clinique’s Even Better Clinical serum and CL-302 complex to provide a balance of treatment.

Splurge: Those looking to make an investment in their anti-aging routine will love these prestige pretties!

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic Acid Plus Retinol Brightening Solution: Retinol and ferulic acid deliver a one-two anti-aging punch to fight fine lines and hyperpigmentation.

Equitance Brightening Serum & Spot Corrector: This serum utilizes the power of linoleic acid to brighten and breakup dark spots. (It's also a favorite of Influenster members!)

Shiseido White Lucent MicroTargeting Spot Corrector: You can't talk about dark spot correcting without mentioning Shiseido's classic. This quick-drying formula even boasts minimizing the appearance of future dark spots.

Indie beauty: Lest we forget our indie beauty lovers! These under-the-radar brands offer some seriously stellar finds.

JUICE BEAUTY Green Apple Peel Nightly Brightening Pads: Designed to use nightly, these eco-friendly pads swipe on to deliver antioxidants and hyaluronic acid directly to skin.

100% Pure Dark Spot Remover: With aloe leaf extract, vitamin C, and red algae, this product safely lightens uneven skin tones sans chemical lighteners or bleaching additives.

Eminence Organic Skincare Bright Skin Licorice Root Booster: This serum uses the healing powers of African potato and tara tree to illuminate skin. 

What do you swear by for dark spots? Share with us below!